Chapter 82

Every muscle in my body felt taut with anticipation. The plan we had been meticulously crafting over the past weeks was finally coming to fruition. Our strategy was built on the intel we’d gathered, the betrayals uncovered, and the relentless pursuit of the truth. We were ready. Or as ready as we could be.

“Cheryl,” I called softly, catching her in the middle of organizing supplies. Her eyes, though tired, still shone with determination. She looked up, her expression mixing exhaustion with a fierce resolve.

“Hey,” she said, offering a tired smile. “Everything’s coming together. Just trying to make sure we have everything we need.”

I nodded, stepping closer and resting a hand on her shoulder. “I know it’s been tough, but you’ve done an incredible job. We all have. The pieces are finally falling into place.”

Her eyes met mine, a flicker of something deep and unspoken passing between us. “And what about you?” she asked. “How are you holding up?”

I took a deep breath. “I’m okay. Focused.